Why Alaska is the Green Choice for Resource Extraction
Contributed by Sean Thorne
How do we be the best possible stewards of our shared planet? If you care about the environment, you should demand that we utilize Alaska’s resources. I have had the good fortune of traveling significantly in the developing world, and I have been able to see what resource extraction often looks like in such places. Put simply, it is generally not a pretty sight. I consider myself an environmentalist, and because of that I want resource extraction done in Alaska by Alaskans, where we have the worlds best track record of development; where we make good jobs, where we do it better, cleaner and safer than anywhere else.
One of the biggest criticisms of overall American culture is that we tend to not want to see ‘dirty work’. We still want the benefit of those things being done, but we want it done out of sight and out of mind. People want a steak, but they don’t want to see a stockyard. They want that new table, but they don’t want to see a stump. They want to drive to visit family, they don’t want to see an oil derrick. Because of this tendency, we have exported so many of these jobs overseas, where we get the benefit but without the burden of looking it in the eye. Because of this, we can make claims of ‘being green’ but those things are now often being done by people who are doing it as irresponsibly as we ever did at our worse.
The Biden Administration consistently claims that it has no fault in the increase in gas prices, and that it is something we must tolerate to combat Putin’s aggression. Every Alaskan knows better. Before the Ukraine invasion happened, they were already doing everything they could to shut down federal oil leasing in Alaska as part of a green agenda. Well, it still has to come from somewhere. Envision this hypocrisy: President Biden acting as a champion of Pride Month, while shutting down Alaskan oil development in Cook Inlet, all while groveling for more oil output from countries where it is a death penalty to be gay and where they use indentured servants for cheap oilfield labor. That does not seem like a moral American solution to me. How is that better than doing it here?
To my mind, one of the worse offenses was the federal government shutting down logging in the Tongass National Forest. The Tongass is well over 16 million acres, and the plan for logging would have allowed for renewable usage and made good jobs in the progress. That is a large area, and trees do grow back when you give them 50 years. Our plan was good. The decision to stop the logging was made by an appointed bureaucrat with no public accountability, and championed by metropolitan residents who will likely never come to Alaska. They pat themselves on the back and sleep well at night, while now our wood must come from somewhere else. Somewhere like Mozambique, one of those developing countries where I have seen it first hand, where clear cut deforestation is quite common, and illegal logging of rare species is a tolerated evil. How much better off is the planet?
When we pulled US forces out of Afghanistan, it did not go well. No one questions that, but one of the most disgusting things I saw in the fallout of it was the many federal politicians and retired generals on cable news complaining that now we won’t have access to Afghanistan’s rare earth mineral deposits. They would rather more Americans die there to hold onto those mines. That is not a good enough justification for me to feel ok about young Americans dying. What they rarely mention is that Alaska has massive deposits of rare earth metals. We don’t even have to launch a 20-year war and sacrifice thousands of other people’s children to get at it, what a bargain! Why not give peace a chance and mine rare earth minerals here?
For these reasons and more, I as an environmentalist want more resources to come from Alaska. I would love to see a day where Alaska and Alaskans have the decision-making power over development, instead of the ever-changing winds of federal bureaucrats dictating to us how to live. If I could hit the magic button and transfer all federal lands here to our control, I would. America may be a bit ‘greener’ with the way we currently do resource policy, but the world is immeasurably worse off. Everything we use comes from somewhere. We all need to fight to ensure it can still come from the place that does it cleaner, safer and better than anywhere else, Alaska.
When Politicians Surrender They Blow Trumpets and Heap Praise on One Another
Contributed by Rep. David Eastman
It’s an open secret that if you ever want to know how bad a particular bill is in Congress, just read the title. Too often, the more innocuous a bill sounds, the worse it is. It helps confuse voters as to what is actually going on. After all, how could you oppose a bill named The Patriot Act? Or how about The Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), or the For The People Act (the current attempt at a federal takeover of state elections)? Politicians often try to compensate for bad legislation by coming up with a really good sounding title. Sometimes it works.
Likewise, whenever you see politicians heaping praise on one another, your first instinct should be to grab hold of your wallet and wonder what it is they feel the need to compensate for.
This year, you will hear many politicians bragging publicly about giving you “the largest PFD in history”. But what does that really mean? Let’s break it down.
First, let’s remember that the PFD is not a gift from a generous politician. They didn’t earn it. It’s not their Permanent Fund. It’s yours.
Second, only 25% of mineral royalties even make it into the Permanent Fund. The state takes 75% off the top before it ever reaches the Permanent Fund.
Third, the amount of the dividend is in the law. State law doesn’t suggest an amount for the dividend. It states what the amount of the dividend “shall” be. You can read it for yourself (AS 43.23.025).
According to state law, this year’s dividend is estimated to be $4,200. Remember, this is only what’s left after the government has already spent it’s 75% of natural resource revenues, and then spent its portion of the earnings from the Permanent Fund.
But even this amount, required by state law, is too much for the governor and most legislators.
This year, the governor requested to the legislature that the dividend be cut to $2,600 (a 38% cut from the statutory dividend). He calls this his “50/50 Plan”, which strangely looks exactly like Mark Begich’s plan when Begich was running against Dunleavy for governor in 2018. You can find the particulars in the budget that Dunleavy submitted to the legislature in December. He also requested that a supplement of $1,231 be distributed to Alaskans to help offset the $2,754 that was withheld from last year’s dividend.
From 2016-2021, politicians withheld a total of $9,750 plus interest from every Alaskan’s dividend.
With Dunleavy’s signing of this year’s budget, that number is now well over $10,000 per person. When interest is included, that number now approaches $12,500 for every Alaskan.
Instead of a $4,200 statutory dividend this year, Alaskans will be receiving a partial dividend of $3,250.
Instead of reducing the debt of $9,750 owed to each Alaskan, that debt will now rise to well over $10,000, plus interest. Meanwhile, the state budget just signed by the governor has ballooned to more than 25% larger than the budget proposed by the governor when he first took office.
This is the victory that the lobbyists and special interests are now celebrating and that politicians are now publicly praising each other for.
This is the victory the governor and his supporters in the legislature are now describing as “the largest PFD in history”. This is the victory they want you to jump up and celebrate as well. The politicians found the courage to make the lobbyists happy, and they found a talking point that helps them go to sleep at night. Just don’t try to factor in what inflation will be in October when dividend checks go out. And don’t reflect on what the governor and legislators promised when they were running for election. That was then. They’ve moved on now, and they want you to move on too, so they are throwing a party to help throw you off the scent. After all, it’s time to celebrate their coming re-election.
But keep an eye on the invitation list to the party. Conspicuously absent are the few conservative legislators who cried foul when the surrender first began and then fought against it. In the eyes of the swamp, they aren’t “team players”. They failed to “move on” when the script changed.
That’s the perennial trouble with conservative legislators, of course. They just don’t know when to surrender and pull out the champagne.
What If? Why Not?
Contributed by Nancy C
I try to keep my Facebook feed focused on art and beauty for the most part, but I keep thinking back to the day, the hour, the minute, I broke my knee. Through all the difficulties and inconveniences, I always say “it could be worse.” In a split second, entire lives can change.
Being laid up a bit, I’ve had time to think and write. This is long, but I must respond to the internal violence our country continues to suffer from. As I write this in early July, 309 mass shootings have taken place this year already. I am, we are, a deeply grieved nation. Negative comments will only prove my points.
What if…
What if we added meditation - directing thoughts towards peaceable living - in elementary grades…? What if we focused more on how to deal with anger and sadness, and on acts of kindness in third grade… What if there were rewards for acts of kindness in middle and high school, especially when given to those who wouldn’t expect it, like the outcasts and those who are different… All this, instead of focusing on who we’re going to sleep with when we’re adults; what gender we are most attracted to. What if we focused more on accepting others and ourselves, rather than focusing on our differences?
What if we banned being entertained by violence…? What if we replaced that time with the use of our minds to solve problems and encourage creative thinking...? What if we made major changes to video games, tv shows and movies that our youth are ingesting and looked instead for joy, laughter, and curiosity to fill their hours? We are a growing culture of people trying to eat healthy food, shouldn’t we be as careful with what we feed our minds?
What if we, as adults, led by example…What if we, as adults, learned to compromise more often… What if when we disagree, we sat quietly for a few minutes, putting ourselves in the other person’s shoes… What if we didn’t need everyone to think like us or agree with us?
I do not believe there is a quick fix of any kind to the internal violence in our country, but we must start somewhere. Why don’t we focus on raising a new generation? When we have been attacked by outside
forces, it is most often by the extremists. We must be careful to not become what we feared the most…. Or we may implode.
Gun laws, politics, gender, life partners…the list goes on. If we continue to be in complete opposition on every issue and continue to react instead of thoughtfully finding solutions to respond, we will only continue in this dangerous direction we are heading. We cannot continue to look to blame, but instead take responsibility.
What if we, as adults, focused on the rights and needs of others instead of ourselves? During this time of the “I” (phones, pads…) me, me, me, my rights, can you just imagine if we focused on you?
What if we allowed our children to pray to the God their families believe in during school, rather than us crying out after the violence “why God, why!!?”
What if… Why not?
State Senate Report
Contributed by State Senator Mike Shower
First… Yes, I am running for re-election. Here’s a report on my first 4 years:
A primary mission was to repeal SB91 (catch & release crime bill). I’m happy to report that was accomplished. I worked hard alongside like-minded legislators with the Governor and we successfully enacted the repeal of SB91. I was one of 6 legislators selected for the conference committee to negotiate repeal provisions enacted in the 2019 session. There is much more work to do regarding public safety.
I’ve worked to end the unethical “binding caucus”. Promising to vote for anything or requiring someone else to is a felony in Alaska law, yet the legislature has for decades. I spoke with legislators in every other state (except one) and learned we are the only state to do this! We’re making progress – there isn’t one in the senate - and I’ve introduced legislation to make it illegal.
My budget amendment this year passed for a statutory PFD - $4200. Unfortunately, it was narrowly voted down in the House which allowed the finance co-chairs to reduce it to $3200. That extra $1000 per Alaskan would be very helpful right now with food & fuel prices. I have repeatedly proposed amendments, worked on bills, and voted for the full PFD every single year to “follow the statute”. The PFD is a tremendous help to the middle class & poor – I won’t back down on this.
2022 saw high oil prices and record permanent fund growth. I’ve normally voted no on the budget, but this year because we could fully fund it, while significantly increasing the capital budget (infrastructure) we’re a decade behind on, and “almost” distribute a statutory PFD (still the highest on record) - all while still putting money into savings and without one penny of deficit spending, I felt ok voting yes. If we have money and need to spend it – we should – if we don’t, we shouldn’t - simple concept.
As a member of the 2021 bi-partisan fiscal policy working group, 5 republicans & 7 democrats, we put politics aside and found a way to agree on paths forward including protecting the PFD in the constitution, changing the constitutional spending cap so it works, and options to reduce the budget and enact sensible revenue (taxes) for a long-term balanced budget solution. No more arbitrary PFD amounts, over spending or uncertainty year to year. Alaska must enact a comprehensive, long term and sustainable fiscal policy if we are to ensure a stable tax and business environment. It's a priority for me to enact those recommendations moving forward.
I have been working on our election system including cleaning up our voting rolls, increasing cyber security, ballot tracking, ballot curing, open-source election software & hardware and much more. Election reform is a contentious issue. 2 major bills, one democrat & one republican (mine). We realized neither would pass the other body and worked together on a bi-partisan bill taking major steps forward. In the very last hour of this session, we were held up by the amendment process. While beyond our control it almost passed. I’ll keep trying.
I introduced legislation to change how our judges are selected. Our state constitution says the supreme & superior courts are to be filled as selected by the judicial council. The lower courts (appellate, district and magistrate) as prescribed by law. My legislation follows other states which provide a broader pool of applicants and more input from the people’s representatives for those lower courts. We must stop allowing a trade organization to pick an entire branch of government with its own choices. Currently you don’t get to elect judges – merely retain them.
I didn’t have a chance to visit the district at all in 2020 nor much in 2021 due to people’s concern over covid. There’s a challenging list of issues we face: logistics supply chain issues, food security, growing inflation, costs of food, fuel and other commodities plus an anemic economy still hurt from covid policies. The state must help, not stand in the way of, progress & growth.
Finally, I was a no on the constitutional convention. Today I’m a solid yes. Why? I’ve realized your state government will never solve the PFD or spending problem. I’ll vote yes for it on the November ballot. YOU will choose the delegates through an election, and they can be ANY Alaskan. Those delegates have the power to enact the only 2 things I believe would pass – the PFD & spending cap. If you are still concerned – remember YOU will have the final vote. Any amendments must be approved by the people at the next election. You have the power – use it.
Michelle and I would love your support to return and finish what we started.
Securing a Foothold
Contributed by Chris By
Every election cycle we are inundated with an overwhelming number of advertisements designed to influence you into voting one way or another. Rarely do the advertisements actually provide any solutions. More than likely you’re as tired of them as I am.
Nearly 68% of Alaskans did not participate in the mail in Special Election Primary. If you are one of them, I would encourage you to vote. It matters. It matters a great deal. Every river in Alaska begins as a snowflake or raindrop. So it is with elections. Every vote adds up.
I have discussed with numerous voters and non-voters this past special election primary. I discovered several key points that I would like you to consider.
For the voters, two common responses:
Who are you?
Why haven’t I heard of you?
Arguably much of this rests upon my unwealthy shoulders. Money talks. Large copious amounts of money win elections; not ideas or solutions these days. There is another factor to consider: media; the media matters. Third parties do not draw media attention often because the media is polarized and editors/reporters have their preferences. Any attention given to candidates like myself takes away from their favored sons. As they have control of the microphone, they control what you hear or read about. If you are unhappy with the political status quo, take a few minutes and research each candidate. Weigh what you learn against each and look at the historical evidence, the debt, political turmoil, and numerous regulations. Be Brave, vote your conscience.
For the non-voters, four common responses:
Doesn’t matter. - Allow me to be blunt. It matters. The decisions the politicians make in D.C. impact our lives here in AK. Case in point: the USA Freedom Act aka Patriot Act. Now any government official can enter your house without a warrant.
My choices are not relatable. - Very true. The two old parties and their media handlers select candidates to move agendas along not based on the constituency or the constituencies’ needs. One current front-runner spent more time in Arizona the last few years than in Alaska and the other spent nearly 20 years inside the DC beltway as a faceless bureaucrat. A number of us are uncomfortable with nepotistic political family dynasties. So, for most Alaskans, the “not relatable” is very accurate. This cycle is different, several typical Alaskans are running that hold normal jobs and don’t have winter homes in the lower 48. I strongly encourage you to research each candidate.
Outcome is the same. - The two old parties are two sides of the same coin. The result: outcomes are virtually the same. Both the Republicans and Democrats believe in centralized decision-making, one-size-fits all approach. Both
will spend the fruits of your labor in a blink of an eye. Whether an R or D wins, the outcome indeed is the same: more taxes and more regulation. Some will argue this is not true, “the last administration reduced the tax burden”. Current working generations did receive a small reprieve only to realize this same administration added $6.8T to the national debt; that burden will fall upon future generations. The last Republican administration did re-approve the Patriot Act, calling it the USA Freedom Act, allowing for domestic spying, warrantless searches, and secret courts.
I hate politics. - Professional politicians and their twin, political-based media, are parasites always clamoring for more control- for our best interest, of course. Their overreach into our daily lives has become unbearable and unsustainable. If we don’t take part in the process, we become part of the problem; we can no longer sit on the sidelines. Vote.
If you were one of the 68% who did not participate in the mail-in primary, I would ask you to vote in August. Your opinion does matter. Please vote. Rough simple math, using the primary results, less than 13% of Alaskans would determine the political direction for the rest of us. Alaskans, if you know someone who did not vote, encourage them to do so.
I am different. I am not a political card-carrying member; I am just an Alaskan. I do not have a DC dance partner that the other two parties have. I do not have to answer to these party elites, I answer to you. I truly believe that typical Alaskans can make better decisions than professional or groomed politicians.
Remember, you have more than two choices. Look to the historical evidence created by both the Republicans and Democrats: $30Tof debt, 20 plus years of war, failed energy policies, special interest payouts, corporate bailouts, the Patriot Act, etc. Do not allow the party-funded influence operation to scare you away from other political options. Using fear, they will seduce you to support one or the other old party. Be Brave. Do not settle for the lesser of two evils. My name is Chris Bye, you can find out more at ItsTimeAlaska.com.
Palmer Needs Leadership
Contributed by Liz Jackson
Dear Moderate Residents of the City of Palmer,
There is a great opportunity to serve your city with the upcoming election this October 4th. There are several open positions including five (5) council seats and one (1) mayor position up for election this fall.
Filing dates are only July 18 - July 29, 2022. This is a very short window to get your name in to be included in this fall’s Palmer City election. I urge those common sense, middle of the road, wise city residents to sign up to be a council member or mayor of our city.
I have followed the behavior of the city council and mayor that we have now with dismay. Unfortunately, we are being led by an inept mayor, a new clerk with learning to do to be proficient, one councilman whose sole purpose appears to be to further punish the recalled council members, and four newly appointed members. Basically, the City is like a ship adrift without a captain or competent crew to navigate the waters.
And if you haven’t been following the meetings, there is still a cry from the far right to get this ship over further into the right lane - or be damned! I am sorry but that is truly how they present their positions to the city accompanied with pounding of fists on the table!
The City of Palmer has so much going for it, and we need to get a crew on board to sail this ship down the middle of the shipping lane - not on the right or on the left, but in the middle where all can complain a bit, but each gets a bit of what is important to them.
The City needs to attend to many issues, including, but not limited to; paving the remaining streets in the city, creating safer crossings at many busy streets within the city limits, continuing the great services at the Palmer Airport and Golf Course, creating a plan for annexation based on the study of 2020-2021, planning for the growing homeless population, upkeep and maintenance of our existing wonderful parks, trails and green spaces and adding to them, keeping the home rentals in town affordable and not becoming too heavy with Airbnb’s so there is no place for families to rent, promoting new vibrant business opportunities, and truly the list goes on and on.
This job is not an easy one, and it doesn’t come with much accolades or pay - but rather it is a position of leadership and service - and Palmer needs those moderate, level-headed, intelligent, educated members of our community to come forward and say, “I am willing to sit in that chair and lead our community wisely into the future.” We need people that do not have an agenda that is anti - whatever, or polarizing, or disruptive to the well-being of all the citizens of Palmer.
We are a small community in a beautiful setting, with a beautiful diverse population - let’s agree to disagree on what we can’t agree on - and let it go, I repeat - Let it Go! Moving on with what is important and with what helps our community is greatly needed right now.
Please if this speaks to you - sign up to run for city council or mayor!
Thank you, Liz Jackson
Our Need to Come Together!
Contributed by JP Turner
Our United States constitution is more important than any ideology that may be prevalent or individually important in our society today. In this time of division and separation our community and country need to find common ground. That common ground exists in a document that has been our national course of action for more than 200 years. We have charted our trajectory for over 2 centuries on the study and intuition of the leaders who founded our great nation. Party ideologies have been a part of American politics since its inception. This document gives us framework to govern but it does not set standards for the division in ideologies that we are living with every day and in every aspect of our lives as Americans today.
These divisions are not a new concept and have existed in American government since its inception. The Federalist and the Democratic Republican parties were at odds as early as the 1790s in respect to the power of a federal government, taxation, banking power and international policies. Our focus and scope through time has added but not changed from these original concerns. Today, human rights, minority rights, gun rights, abortion rights as well as the traditional discrepancies in opinion are what drives our voting majority.
These differences of opinion, these ideologies that represent all of us as Americans are our own and personal. They may be at the core of the way we identify ourselves, but they are ours alone and stand independent of the thoughts and feelings of other Americans.
This ideological separation of our country is something real and tangible to every person that feels the need to involve themselves in these issues. The natural course it seems is to pick sides and separate oneself from the opposing position.
The course of a national affinity and a broader view of our nation, as a whole, is the only answer to this problem that has so divided us. Our Constitution is our blueprint for governance. Our will to stand together as a nation, as Americas, our ability to see our neighbors as fellow Americans with different lives, different needs and different opinions is crucial to our ability to uphold our Constitution and keep our Republic in takt. Without consensus and understanding there will be no forward progress of our government other than division. This division could in turn lead to the end of this Republic as we know it.
Our Constitution and our nation depend on us as Americans to realize we are not in this alone. We have all Americans and their opinions and desires to contemplate in every decision we make. Our Countries future depends on it.
It’s Time for a Change in the U.S. Senate
Contributed by Kelly Tshibaka
Since I first announced my candidacy for the U.S. Senate sixteen months ago, I’ve traveled enough miles within Alaska to circumnavigate the globe. And from the thousands of Alaskans I’ve met along the way, the overwhelming sentiment I hear is that it’s time for a change in our representation in the Senate.
Alaskans are frustrated by the direction of the country and alarmed at how many of the policies coming out of Washington, D.C. are specifically targeted at us. The Biden administration and the D.C. insiders have attacked our economy, our freedoms, and our very way of life.
But we’ve had enough.
As your U.S. senator, you will always know where I stand and will never have to guess. I’ve begun laying out my agenda, appropriately called “It’s Time for a Change,” in which I make clear that I will side with Alaskans against the political elites at every turn. You can find these policies and principles at www.KellyforAK.com.
I will fight to revive our economy and defend our resource industries against the radical environmentalists who are relentless in their desire to turn Alaska into a national park for the rest of the country.
I will stand up for our God-given, basic constitutional rights, which have been undermined and eroded by people in D.C. This includes, for example, parents' rights to be involved in their children's education and our 2nd Amendment rights.
I will work to reform healthcare so we have more mental health resources, our veterans get benefits in record time, and we care for vulnerable Alaskans.
I will support only immigration policies which are equally applied, adhere to the law, and provide safe, controlled immigration.
I will fight to protect the integrity of our elections so that every eligible voter is able to vote once and have it counted.
I will fight for life and pro-family policies and fight against discrimination of any kind, while supporting the availability of birth control and increased funding for clinics providing non-abortive healthcare services for Alaskan women.
And I will hear the voices of the forgotten Alaskans – they will no longer be ignored.
This last point is very important to me personally, since it was through the help of fellow Alaskans that my family was able to build the American Dream. My parents were homeless for a time in Anchorage before I was born, but my mother landed a job at Prudhoe Bay, which allowed them to fight their way into the working class. I became the first in our family to pursue a college degree and began my studies at the University of Alaska Anchorage before graduating from college and law school.
I owe Alaskans a lot, and I want to serve in the Senate to support those who supported me.
That kind of clarity isn’t always apparent in our senior U.S. senator. She inherited her seat from her father when he appointed her to complete his unexpired term after he was elected governor. And for the last 21 years, she has been currying favor with the D.C. insiders at the expense of the people here in Alaska.
There’s no question that this election presents clear options for voters.
I am an America First candidate who will always vote with the people of Alaska.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, however, tries to straddle the fence, saying one thing to Alaskans but doing the opposite in D.C. Voters across the political spectrum can’t tell where she stands and don’t trust her on the important issues of the day.
The 2nd Amendment is a perfect example of how she tries to have it both ways. She ran ads on Facebook touting her support of gun rights, but voted for the federal gun control bill right afterwards.
Meanwhile, Pat Chesbro, the Democratic candidate, is a solid progressive who sides with her national party’s platform and can be counted on to support the Biden agenda.
I am proud to be the endorsed Republican candidate in this election, supported by the Alaska Republican Party and by former President Donald Trump. And it’s clear that we are at a point where the next senator can either stand with Alaska, or continue to enable the disastrous Biden policies that are damaging us more every day.
When I’m the next senator from Alaska, I will never forget the Alaskans who hired me for the job, and I will always stand for the values of the people of this great state.
In the primary on August 16, and again on November 8, I ask for your vote because most of us agree that it’s time for a change.
Kelly Tshibaka is a born-and-raised Alaskan, and a candidate for the U.S. Senate in Alaska who is endorsed by former President Donald Trump and the Alaska Republican Party.
Great Americans – A Cowboy Youth Hero
Contributed by Doug Ferguson
This series of Great Americans continues. Some are famous and others are not. This month I am featuring “The Singing Cowboy”, Gene Autry. Today he is mostly remembered only during the holidays as we hear his recordings of “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer”, “Here Comes Santa Claus” and other songs of the season that he made famous. However, back in his singing and acting prime he was not only was a youth hero to me when I needed one, but to many other boys and girls of my era.
My youthful introduction to Autry came about in roundabout way. I started grade school in Springfield Massachusetts during the early 1940’s at the beginning of WWII. I found plenty of playmates in our then new housing development for the first few years.
In those days non-denominational youth activities for grade school age kids such as Cub Scouts and Little League hadn’t been formed. As we got older many of my Catholic playmates were enjoying church activities sponsored by the Catholic Youth Organization started by Chicago's Catholic Bishop, Bernard Sheil in the 1930’s. The Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) exists across the country even to this day fulfilling an important need for wholesome youth activities.
My mother was determined to find similar kinds of outlets for me and discovered that Trinity Methodist Church on Sumner Ave downtown near Forest Park, had a wonderful facility and programs for youth like myself. They even had a swimming pool in the basement!
She got me enrolled in their Saturday afternoon program. Besides games and outings to the park, they also showed a short movie that was entertaining and wholesome for kids during the afternoon session. During the war movies were a treat so this was a big deal for me! Starting that summer my Dad would drop me off and pick me up there every Saturday for the next couple of years.
The first movie series I remember was a twelve part serial called “The Phantom Empire”. The serial, released in 1935, is about a singing cowboy who stumbles upon an ancient subterranean civilization living beneath his own ranch that becomes corrupted by unscrupulous greedy speculators from the surface. Autry, in his first starring role, was playing himself as the singing cowboy who, in a series of exciting episodes, helps to honorably resolve everything.
This was my first exposure to the world of science fiction that has lasted for a lifetime. It featured the underground empire of Murania, complete with towering buildings, robots, ray-guns, advanced television, elevator tubes that extend miles from the surface, and the icy, blonde, evil Queen Tika.
And that is how I got introduced to the star, Gene Autry, having never been aware of him before. I was also introduced to the very American concept of the brave and honorable cowboy! Later, through his radio show, “Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch” in response to his many young listeners across the country, he created the Cowboy Code, similar to the one then used by the Boy Scouts, that promoted an ethical, moral and patriotic lifestyle.
Over his life span (he died in 1998 at age 91) he had an amazing career up to the very end and received many honors for a wide range of activities ranging from starting the Los Angeles Angles baseball team to establishing The Autry Museum of the American West. You can get a flavor of his honorable and productive, civic minded life by looking him up on the official website: https://www.geneautry.com
However, what stands out for me was his military career. He had already made over 40 western movies when WWII broke out and holding a private pilot license, in 1942 he enlisted in the Air Force and became a tech sergeant, determined to be a military pilot. Finally, after two years of service, he earned his Service Pilot rating in June 1944 serving as a C-109 transport pilot. As part of the Air Transport Command, he flew as part of the dangerous airlift over the Himalayas, or “The Hump”, between India and China.
Another side story to his military experience further enhances his standing as a “Great American”. When he told his contract holder Republic Pictures, that he planned to enlist in the Air Force, they threatened to promote Roy Rogers as the “King of the Cowboys” in his absence, which they actually did. Gene enlisted anyway went off to serve his country. Since his contract was suspended while he was in the service, he tried to have it declared void after his discharge, but the courts supported Republic. However, in the end he made four more films with Republic under his old still valid contract publicity title, “King of the Cowboys” and the rest is history!
Again, I feel fortunate to have lived at a time when such public heroes were around to provide role models for youngsters like me at a time when I needed them.
Doug Ferguson is a retired engineer living in Palmer, AK and has had a life-long interest in gardening, science, history, sports, and human nature.
Election Integrity: An Alaskan Question with an Alaskan Answer
Contributed by Edie Grunwald
This campaign season Alaska voters are asking about election integrity, election reform, voting systems and voter accuracy.
I am preparing to get started on election issues on day one. I have already developed some processes that can go into effect immediately. I am all about can-do, will-do, and results. Let's plan on up-front changes in the best interest of Alaskans.
Let’s start at the top. If we manage and confirm the Integrity of the Alaska election process, the methods of voting, vote counting, other questions become answered as part of the confirmation process.
Past administrations have not taken voter integrity seriously and have done little to investigate and correct any deficiencies we may have.
When elected, as Alaska’s Lt. Governor, I will exercise my statutory authority over our election system and will take immediate action to restore voter confidence in the electoral process.
Candidate for Governor Charlie Pierce has assured us all he will make election integrity a priority. I will take the actions that yield reportable and positive results to the public.
A needless round of feel-good meetings and what-if conversations will be a thing of the past.
First, purging the voter rolls of unqualified or false voter registrations will begin immediately. Alaska has almost 35,000 false voter registrations. That is about 6% with opportunity for voter fraud. That needs no discussion or consideration, it can and will be fixed without delay. Is voter registration proper? Confirm or Delete. Sound simple? Well it is. It just takes effort and consistent attention.
Concerns have been raised about the delayed counting of absentee ballots in Alaska. The fix is not complex, we will count mail-in, absentee and early votes upon receipt and maintain the counts in a secure facility, announcing them on election day. Not magic, it is called common sense.
Some question the veracity and integrity of our selected voting machines. Under my direction the State of Alaska will immediately conduct an intense analysis of the voting machines used, display the results to the public and make any changes necessary to assure confidence.
These tasks and any other anomalies brought to the Election Department attention will be investigated thoroughly and reported on a matter of fact basis.
Thank you,
Colonel (Ret.) Edie Grunwald
Candidate for Lt. Governor with Charlie Pierce for Governor
Choose Chesbro on August 16
Contributed by Pat Chesbro
I am running for the US Senate because for too long we have stood back and apathetically watched members of Congress vote for their own best interests over that of their constituents.
I have devoted my life to public education. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Syracuse University, my Master of Science Degree in Education from SUNY Albany, taught English and reading at Palmer High School, was President of MatSu Education Association, was Principal of Palmer High School earning Principal of the Year in 1995, was Superintendent of Schools MatSu School District, was the first Department Chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning at UAA, helped secure a $9.3 million federal education grant that partnered with rural and urban schools around Alaska including Anchorage, Mat-Su, Sitka, Lower Kuskokwim, Kashunamiut, and the Pribilofs, and was interim Dean of the UAA College of Education from 2011-2012.
As a longtime educator, I find myself increasingly concerned for our children and young people. At a time in their lives when they should be feeling hopeful and optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead, they see division, disrespect, and intolerance in the language of local and national leaders. They see efforts to take away rights that have been fought for and respected for many years, specifically a woman’s right to choose, and wonder which rights will be next. I say, the elected leaders of our country set the tone for this nation. They either model the behavior we want for our children, or foster cynicism and hopelessness.
Who am I? I am the daughter of a mother who was widowed with three young children who were raised with grace and dignity. I am the lifelong learner who believes in truth and honesty. I am the friend who strives to understand walking in another’s shoes. I am the teacher who has faith in the power and potential of all her students. I am the wife who understands the power of love and compromise. I am the stepmother who found a pathway to trust and love. I am the mother who accepts my children for their wonderful differences. I am the parent who grieves the loss of her daughter to gun violence. I am the principal who discovered the joys and effects of leadership. I am the Alaskan who believes that the natural beauty of our state is reflected in the beauty of our people. I am the Democrat who shares the values of Alaskans and Americans. I am the community member who has faith in the future and works to ensure that future. I am the candidate you can count on.
I believe in the value of public service. I also believe Congressional actions should benefit not only the wealthy, but ALL Americans. I hope you will Choose Chesbro in the August 16 Primary.
Bill Walker is the Leader Alaska Needs Now
Contributed by Al Bolea
Nothing good happens without leadership.
As Alaska navigates historic changes and unprecedented political division, it is more critical than ever that our most senior state executive — the governor — is a proven leader, ready to solve the many difficult issues that lie ahead over the next four years.
Many Alaskans have heard me speak about the importance of leadership in my leadership course at the University of Alaska or in training programs through their employer.
I know a leader when I see one, and the person we need at the helm now is Bill Walker. We can’t afford false starts or on-the-job training. Bill has done the job. He’s learned what does and does not work. He knows what needs to be done. Moreover, Bill has displayed the essential traits of great leaders.
First and foremost, Bill is courageous. He does not shy away from challenges, and he confronts issues head-on: from policies making the budget and the Permanent Fund sustainable to expanding Medicaid to provide tens of thousands of people with health care to increasing the ability of Alaska Native people to make decisions for themselves.
Second, Bill has a unique ability to engage people in conversations where he listens as much as speaks. It’s a true exchange of ideas — not a download of some favorite talking points. Bill learns through these exchanges, and he adapts to situations and the views of others, especially when presented with sound arguments. He does not hide from people who disagree with him — he hears them out.
Third, and what Alaska needs most, Bill is a man of integrity. He knows that there’s a fine line between what a person espouses and the way he or she shows up. He never crosses the line, always holding true to his convictions, and never tolerates people who do cross the line. His past record is a testament to this, and you can see it again in his selection of Heidi Drygas as his running mate. She’s a person of conviction and someone who earns the trust of others.
A wise person once said to me, “Great leaders don’t situate their reality; they understand the reality of their situation.”
Bill and Heidi understand the reality of Alaska’s situation. They will shape a direction for our state that will take us into a viable future. That’s no small task. There’s no easy road ahead of us, and we can’t waste time on the delusional aspirations of politicians who do not have the ability to lead our state.
Al Bolea is retired from running a leadership training and coaching company, Applied Leadership Seminars LLC, recognized as one of the top corporate programs in the world by Leadership Excellence and awarded a prestigious LEAD honor for Best Executive Coaching Program. He’s the author of three highly regarded leadership books, published in by Routledge Press. He is also a retired BP executive, with many years of experience in Alaska, and a former CEO of a large independent oil and gas company in the Middle East.
HD 25 / Alaska Priorities
Contributed by Lawrence D. Wood
I am running for HD 25. My priorities are the following:
CHILD SAFETY: I will work to see that armed security is present in every Alaska school and that school security is upgraded.
It is time Alaska’s school security became a priority and not an afterthought. Schools should have unbreakable glass, single point of entry with a remote-controlled lock, voice intercom at the point of entry and a camera at every door showing a view of the approach to that door, and armed staff and armed security.
How to pay for it? The federal Department of Homeland Security has been giving out Homeland Security Grants to secure critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks since 2001.
I will support SB140 to prevent biological males from competing with biological females in female sports. Biological males have >20% lung capacity and >35% upper body muscle mass than the average female. Transgender hormonal treatments do not erase the X chromosome. The World Rugby Association has barred biological males from competing with biological females.
BAR TREATMENT FOR TRANSGENDERISM FOR MINORS: I will work to make it illegal for minors to have treatments for gender dysphoria using hormone blockers or other hormone treatments while a minor, because of the detrimental health effects of the treatment, the increased potential for suicide, the lack of maturity to make one’s own judgement in such a life altering decision, and the usually transitory nature of gender dysphoria.
EDUCATION: The goal/prime mission of education is literacy. Every child should be able to read independently by the 3d grade and be able to express themselves in writing by the 4th grade. At present, the education in Alaska is 47th and 4th grade reading is 50th. This is failure.
How can we improve education? Stop taking federal Dept. of Education (DoEd) money which amounts to 3%-8% above the state funding. This money is not necessary and does not put one teacher to work in a classroom. This is how Common Core, Critical Race Theory, Transgenderism and the LGBTQ agenda has gotten into our schools.
I will work to end the NEA’s influence in the classroom. I will further work to end DoEd funding. How our kids are educated is up to the parents, not the DoEd, the unions or the state.
PFD: I support the statutory PFD formula and will work for full PFD payment and payment of monies owed Alaskans. The PFD is best stimulus to the economy.
COVID RESPONSE: The 2020-2021 COVID Emergency Response was the proverbial cluster fornication. Fauci lied, people died. The Legislature ran, and our governor managed the 4th most restrictive mandates in the United States. People in hospitals and nursing homes were forced to remain separated from their loved ones. Those with illnesses requiring regular treatment went without those treatments. Lockdowns, masking and social distancing reduced the IQ of kids under 5 years by 21 points. We were used as guinea pigs, lied to and our concerns ignored.
Experimental vaccinations were imposed without recourse and without long term studies to determine safety.
Fear was used to motivate us into compliance with the mandates.
I will work to see that our rights are considered in any emergency mandate, that our Legislature maintains the 30 day oversight of any emergency declaration by a governor, restore the doctor-patient relationship to end any threat of a centralized dictatorship by unelected medical or other so called experts.
I fully support SB156 to end mandatory vaccinations. No one should lose their job for a shot that is an experiment.
SECOND AMENDMENT: I fully support the Second Amendment, I carry daily.
TRANSPARENCY IN GOVENRMENT: I will work to end redacted FOIA responses by the state and local governments. Nothing government does should be redacted to deny the public full information.
TERM LIMITS: I will work to enact term limits.
MOVE THE LEGISLATURE: I will work to enact legislation to move the Legislature out of Juneau to Anchorage or the Valley.
STATEHOOD COMPACT: I will work to restore the state’s management over all lands comprising Alaska and fish and game management per the Alaska Statehood Agreement and to restore the homesteading act that existed under the Territory (160 acres).
VOTING: Require photo ID, full chain of custody, no electronic voting, only in person, or absentee ballot.
HUNTING/FISHING: Alaskans first.
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION: I support a constitutional convention to remedy the shortcomings in the state constitution.
BUSINESS/RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT: I will work to deregulate, and to end the duplication of business licensing. The state license should be the only license required.
My business was in mining and environmental reclamation. I fully support resource development.
ALASKA RAILROAD: I will work to restore the ARR track to Sutton and to extend the track to Tok and Valdez. The ARR was to support development of our resources, not to only act as a taxi for fat tourists.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT: I will work to keep our roads maintained and to expand airports and harbors.
CHICKALOON TRIBAL POLICE EXPANSION: I oppose any attempt to expand the police powers of the tribal police beyond original land grant lands holdings.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE: I will work to restore the Alaska State Defense Force as an armed state military response asset.
SOUTHERN BORDER RESPIONSE: I will work to encourage the governor to provide law enforcement and organized militia assets to assist the State of Texas in its declaration of an invasion. The drugs and criminals flowing across the southern border reach Alaska.
JUDICIARY: I will work to require the courts to decide constitutional issues by text, history and traditions as did the SCOTUS in the recent Dobbs and Bruen decisions.
God, Family, Country.
Please vote.